InstructureCon 2025 Gathers Global Educators and Innovators to Shape the Future of Learning and EdTech with Visionary Keynotes and 200+ Transformative Sessions

Baratunde Thurston, Katie Novak, Ed.D., Michelle Weise, Ph.D. and Suneel Gupta headline a visionary speaker lineup at the leading edtech conference

SALT LAKE CITY — July 15, 2025 — Instructure, the maker of Canvas Learning Management System (LMS), today announced keynote speakers for InstructureCon 2025, taking place July 22–24 in Spokane, Washington. This premier event will highlight cutting-edge solutions that amplify the power of teaching, featuring practical sessions, inspiring talks and real-world insights from across Instructure’s global community. The conference will also spotlight relationship-driven technology, such as AI, that empowers educators to focus on preparing the next generation for the future.

“At InstructureCon 2025, nearly 3,000 educators, administrators and innovators will come together to collaboratively shape the future of education, driving meaningful, lasting change,” said Melissa Loble, chief academic officer at Instructure. “Our interconnected community, partner network and emerging technology together create a dynamic ecosystem that anticipates and adapts to the needs of the education evolution. Attending InstructureCon isn't just about learning new ideas; it's a chance to spark inspiration that can transform education and profoundly impact the lives of learners."

InstructureCon offers 200+ sessions focused on enhancing learner success, featuring keynote speeches and insights from education leaders and Instructure experts. Through this intensive and collaborative experience, attendees co-create best practices and gain practical tools to improve learner outcomes.

This year's InstructureCon will showcase thought leaders who will discuss how AI can help us rediscover our humanity, the importance of designing accessible learning experiences, supporting learners throughout their educational journeys and well-being practices for the year ahead. Attendees can look forward to keynote speeches from Baratunde Thurston, Katie Novak, Ed.D., Michelle R. Weise, Ph.D. and Suneel Gupta.

Baratunde Thurston, an Emmy-nominated host, writer and creator of "Life With Machines," a YouTube podcast on the human side of AI, will join Instructure’s Chief Architect, Zach Pendleton, to discuss AI and education. They will explore AI's promises and pitfalls in education, from personalized learning to ethical considerations.

Katie Novak, Ed.D., is an education expert, author and former assistant superintendent in Massachusetts. As a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) specialist, she dispels myths about UDL and demonstrates how it supports all students, helping educators craft effective classrooms. Novak will discuss how a proactive framework helps all learners succeed and supports educators in designing for the reality of today’s classrooms.

 Michelle Weise, Ph.D., futurist and author of “Long Life Learning,” will discuss the transformative shifts in learning and work. She’ll highlight challenges and opportunities in creating an education system that sustains learners over a lifetime, especially as people live longer and change careers. 

Suneel Gupta, founding CEO of RISE and Harvard scholar, studies how top performers overcome challenges. His book, “Everyday Dharma,” outlines practices for success and joy, offering science-based habits to boost energy, fight burnout and foster creativity and well-being. Gupta will share science-backed strategies to help attendees effectively manage their energy, incorporate restorative breaks, elevate those around them and confidently navigate future challenges.

Other main stage presentations will include Instructure CEO Steve Daly laying out a bold vision for the future of education and technology. Chief Product Officer Shiren Vijiasingam will unveil a visionary roadmap of tools and technology that enables customers to adapt and evolve quickly. This includes reimagining AI as a collaborative force and empowering institutions to build their own solutions, while introducing innovations that transform and simplify the educator experience.  

Additionally, Instructure will convene its EdTech Collective — a community of more than 1,100 partners — dedicated to delivering seamless experiences through the Instructure ecosystem. Nearly 100 EdTech companies will come together at the annual Partner Summit, along with 25 early-stage EdTech Startups participating in a mentoring program led by StartEd, the founders of EdTech Week. Over 70 of Instructure’s EdTech partners will engage with educators and showcase solutions as sponsors of InstructureCon, including Amazon Web Services (AWS) as the exclusive Diamond Sponsor and Google, Lincoln Learning Solutions and Respondus as Platinum Sponsors.

For more information about InstructureCon, check out the frequently asked questions page and the event agenda.